Cuphea Cigar Bat Face

Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’— Plant Description

Plant Summary
Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ (Cuphea llavea), commonly called Bat Face Cuphea or Cigar Plant, is a heat-loving flowering perennial valued for its unique bat-shaped purple and red blooms, compact growth habit, and long flowering season. Gardeners researching how to grow Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ should provide full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. Under proper care and growing conditions, plants produce continuous blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators throughout the warm season.

Key Plant Facts
Height: 12–24 inches
Width: 18–24 inches
Sun: Full sun to partial sun
Water: Moderate
Annual or Perennial: Tender perennial commonly grown as an annual

Bloom Season or Seasonal Interest
Produces unusual purple and red tubular flowers continuously from spring through frost.

Landscape Uses
Excellent for containers, borders, pollinator gardens, hanging baskets, edging, and tropical-style landscapes.

Garden Design Value
Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ adds unusual flower form, vibrant color, and continuous seasonal interest to sunny gardens. Its compact habit works well in mixed containers and pollinator plantings.

Edible or Medicinal Uses
This plant is grown primarily for ornamental use.

Native Range
Native to Mexico and Central America.

Full Plant Description
Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ forms a compact, mounding plant with glossy green foliage and distinctive tubular flowers featuring dark purple petals and bright red tips resembling a bat face. Plants are valued for their nonstop blooming, strong heat tolerance, and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This variety performs best in full sun with evenly moist, well-drained soil and good airflow. Care includes regular watering during active growth, occasional trimming to maintain fullness, and light fertilization during the growing season. Proper growing conditions support denser growth, healthier foliage, and heavier flowering.

Gardeners Also Ask

Does Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ need full sun?
It performs best in full sun to partial sun.

How large does Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ grow?
Plants typically grow 12–24 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide.

Does Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ attract hummingbirds?
Yes. It is highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Does Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ bloom continuously?
Yes. It flowers continuously from spring through frost.

Can Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’ grow in containers?
Yes. It performs exceptionally well in containers and hanging baskets.

Read our complete growing guide for Cuphea ‘Cigar Bat Face’. (Click Here)

NOTICE

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